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Monday, 23 May 2016

Van Gaal statement after leaving Manchester United

It has been an honour to manage such a magnificent club as Manchester
United FC, and in doing so, I have fulfilled a long-held ambition.
I am immensely proud to have helped United win the FA Cup for the 12th
time in the club's history. I have been privileged during my
management career to have won 20 trophies but winning the FA Cup,
which is steeped in so much history, will always be one of the most
special achievements of my career.
I am very disappointed to be unable to complete our intended
three-year plan. I believe that the foundations are firmly in place to
enable the club to move forward and achieve even greater success.
I hope that winning the FA Cup will give the club a platform to build
upon next season to restore the success that this passionate set of
fans desire.
Having managed in Holland, Spain and Germany, I had always hoped for
the opportunity to manage in English football and be part of English
culture. Both of these experiences have lived up to expectations and
been fantastic.
I thank my players and wish them well for next season. It has been a
pleasure to work with them and it has been particularly rewarding to
see so many young players take their chance to break into the first
team and excel. I look forward to watching the continued development
of these young players next season.
Thank you to the owners and board of Manchester United for giving me
the opportunity to manage this great club.
I would also like to express my gratitude to the amazing United
supporters. They are truly the best fans in the world.
I am indebted to my support and coaching staff, who have given me
their all during their time at the club.
I am deeply grateful to each and every member of the club's staff -
the sports science team, the medical team, the kit and laundry
department, club administration, the press office, the manager's team,
the Academy team, ground staff and the catering team, both at Old
Trafford stadium and Carrington training ground, all of whom have
given me their unwavering support in my time at United. Never in my 25
years as a manager have I been so well supported in my role.
Finally, my special thanks go to Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby
Charlton for always making me and my family feel so welcome throughout
my time as Manchester United manager.